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With the help of tomato juice, it is possible to effectively protect yourself in a natural, inexpensive and simple way from various bacteria that affect the health of the digestive and urinary tract and can even lead to life-threatening diseases.
A new study involving experts from Cornell University in the USA examined the antimicrobial properties of tomato juice and peptides from tomatoes in relation to their effectiveness against salmonella (Salmonella Typhi). The results can be read in the English-language journal “Microbiology Spectrum”.
Tomatoes and tomato juice against pathogens?
“Our main goal in this study was to find out whether tomatoes and tomato juice can kill enteric pathogens, including Salmonella Typhi, and if so, what properties they have that make them effective,” reports study author Dr. Jeongmin Song. Salmonella Typhi is a deadly pathogen that causes typhoid fever in humans.
In laboratory tests, it was initially examined whether tomato juice was actually able to kill bacteria of the genus Salmonella Typhi.
Effect through antimicrobial peptides
After this positive effect was confirmed, the researchers analyzed the tomato genome to identify the antimicrobial peptides that are involved in this effect. The team then selected four possible antimicrobial peptides and examined their effectiveness against Salmonella Typhi.
Antimicrobial peptides are tiny proteins that attack the bacterial membrane that protects them as intact organisms, the team explains. Finally, it was possible to identify two antimicrobial peptides that are effective against Salmonella Typhi.
Next, tests were carried out with different variants of Salmonella Typhi and additional computer models were used to investigate how the antibacterial peptides can kill Salmonella Typhi and other intestinal pathogens.
The experts then examined the effectiveness of tomato juice against various other intestinal pathogens that are known to affect the health of the digestive and urinary tracts.
Tomato juice kills harmful bacteria
The results show that tomato juice is indeed able to effectively kill Salmonella Typhi, and according to the researchers, this also applies to other bacteria that can be harmful to the digestive and urinary tract.
In particular, two of the antimicrobial peptides examined are able to eliminate pathogens because they attack the normally protective bacterial membrane, according to the experts.
“Our research shows that tomatoes and tomato juice can kill intestinal bacteria such as salmonella,” adds Dr. song added in a press release.
Also read:
- Nutrition: Tomatoes to improve intestinal flora
- Tomatoes strengthen heart health and reduce the risk of cancer
- Nutrition: Tomatoes, ketchup and tomato sauce are so healthy
Tomatoes and tomato juice contain bioactive molecules such as antioxidants and antimicrobials that have various benefits for overall health and the new study now highlights antimicrobial effects in addition to the widely recognized antioxidant properties. (as)